Legendary Comedian Loses Both Parents Within Days

Conan O’Brien, the celebrated late-night television host and comedian, is grieving the loss of both his parents, who died just days apart earlier this week. Dr. Thomas O’Brien, a noted physician and microbiologist, passed away on December 9 at the age of 95. Three days later, on December 12, Ruth Reardon O’Brien, a pioneering attorney, followed at 92. Both passed away at their home in Brookline, Massachusetts.

The couple, married for more than six decades, were lifelong residents of Brookline, Massachusetts. Known for their intellect and humility, they played integral roles in shaping their son’s sharp wit and grounded perspective on life.

Dr. O’Brien was a respected figure in the medical community, recognized for his extensive contributions to antimicrobial resistance research. Colleagues often described him as a man of immense wisdom who carried an understated sense of humor—traits that would eventually influence his son’s comedic sensibilities.

Thomas passed away on Monday, December 9, following a decline in health, as reported by The Boston Globe. His wife’s obituary, released by the Bell-O’Dea Funeral Home in Brookline, Massachusetts, noted that she died peacefully on December 12.

Dr. O’Brien retired at the age of 90 in 2019 after a 60-year career at Brigham and Women’s and Harvard Medical School, where he served as an associate professor. At the time of his retirement, he was actively involved in antimicrobial research. Dr. O’Brien also dedicated this boundless energy to his family life in Brookline, where he and his wife Ruth raised their six children.

“Science has said there’s no such thing as perpetual motion, but my father was proof that that was wrong,” Conan O’Brien, the late night TV talk show host and podcaster, said of his father. “My father was in constant motion. And he was interested in everything — absolutely everything.”

“The loudest I’ve ever heard anybody laugh was sitting next to him in a theater watching Peter Sellers in a ‘Pink Panther’ movie,” Conan recounted. Those who knew Dr. O’Brien solely through his professional endeavors “would think, ‘What a fascinating man,’” he added. “But he was often the funniest guy in the room. And when he would laugh, his whole body would convulse and he would almost hug himself.”

Born and raised in Worcester, Massachusetts, Conan’s mother, Ruth, was a distinguished graduate of South High School, Vassar College, and Yale Law School, where she was one of only four women in her class and served as vice president of the student government according to her obituary. She had a successful career as a real estate attorney and became the second woman to be made a partner at Ropes & Gray, where she worked for many years.

Their funeral Mass is set for December 18th at St. Lawrence Church in Chestnut Hill, with a preceding visitation on December 17th.

Conan O’Brien first gained prominence as a writer for Saturday Night Live (SNL) and The Simpsons, where he contributed to some of their most iconic episodes. He moved to TBS in 2010, where he hosted Conan until 2021. Beyond late-night TV, Conan launched the popular podcast Conan O’Brien Needs A Friend and has been involved in various projects, including travel specials showcasing his humor abroad.

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